Bringing home both Supermarket of the Year and Own Label Range of the Year Trophies. Peter Morrell tastes the winning Port

Tesco has been named IWC* Supermarket of the Year 2023, as well as winning IWC Own Label Range of the Year for the second year running. This is the first time any retailer has won both awards in the same year. These accolades crown an impressive year for Tesco at the prestigious competition, having already been awarded over 100 medals across its wine range comprising 2 gold, 15 silver, 40 bronze medals and 46 wines commended.

The IWC Own Label Range of the Year award holds significant value within the industry, acknowledging the excellence, quality and marketability of own-label wines, as well as the hard work of the Tesco team.

The IWC Supermarket of the Year award goes one step further, with a lengthy application process delving deeply into the rationale behind the wine range and how it is curated and presented, as well as more expansive topics around the business as a whole, including sustainability plans and employee satisfaction. Winning this award is a clear reflection of the commitment from Tesco to environmental efforts, and the wellbeing and fulfilment of its staff.

Tesco also took home further trophies at the Awards Ceremony, namely the IWC Great Value Champion Sweet for the Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2018 and the IWC Great Value Champion Fortified for the Tesco Finest Pedro Ximenez NV. Both of these awards recognise the excellent value that these wines offer, giving consumers some excellent options for summer sipping. The Arbousset Tavel Rosé 2022, exclusive to Tesco, was also awarded the IWC Great Value Rosé between £8 and £12.

Jason Godley, Category Director for Beers, Wines and Spirits commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won these IWC awards. These awards recognise all the hard work that the entire team, along with our trusted suppliers, have put into our wine category over the past couple of years.

“The Own Label Range of the Year award, in particular, acknowledges our efforts as a business to continue to deliver outstanding value for consumers at a time when the cost of living and value for money is front of mind.

“We remain continually committed to providing the best selection of wines for customers, whatever their budget, occasion, or style preference.”

A selection of award-winning wines at Tesco:

Tesco Finest Pedro Ximénez NV, 15% abv, £6.50

IWC Great Value Champion Fortified 2023
IWC Gold Medal 2023

From the 180 year old Gonzalez Byass family winery in Jerez, this own-label sherry is the perfect accompaniment to your summer table. With flavours of dried fruit and hints of coffee, this Spanish wonder is sure to impress.

Tesco Finest Dessert Semillon 2018, 10% abv, £6.25

IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2023
IWC Silver Medal 2023

From Australia’s De Bortoli winery, this intense dessert wine boasts sweet almond and lemon curd on the palate with a deliciously fresh finish.

Arbousset Tavel Rosé 2022, 13.5% abv, £12

IWC Great Value Rosé between £8 and £12

This deep-hued rosé is full bodied, yet dry and fresh with juicy ripe strawberry notes and herbal undertones. Perfect to serve at a summer barbecue.

Tesco Finest Vintage Port 2013, 20% abv, £21

IWC Gold 2023

Peter Morrell, Editor comments “There is always something quite special about drinking Port, it is all-consuming in terms of the bouquet, on the palate and in the finish, and the Tesco Finest Vintage Port 2013 is confirmation of this. The port is made by the Symington Family estates, who also own a number of other big name port houses, they have been creating fine ports in Portugal’s Douro Valley for the last 130 years.

“The port pours a deep ruby colour, on the nose there are a wealth of aromas, blackberries, dark cherries, ripe plums, and spices. The mouthfeel is bold, and it tastes fresh. The palate reveals more flavours, oak, vanilla, dried fruits, jammy prunes, and dark chocolate. The acidity is low and the tannins well structured making it silky smooth. The finish is fruity, complex and very persistent.

“This is just crying out to be paired with Stilton Cheese, or you could make a refreshing summer cocktail, ‘Port and Lemon’, there are a lot of recipes online. A final tip, if you have children born in 2013, buy it now, and properly stored it will be even better to drink on their 18th birthday.”

Tesco Finest Chablis 2021, 13% abv, £13.50

IWC Silver 2023

Subtle floral and citrus aromas characterise this white Burgundy, with a ripe acidity providing good balance. The perfect summer sip.

Tesco Finest Montagne St Emilion, 13% abv, £9

IWC Silver 2023

The best classic grapes from Bordeaux have been harvested from vineyards on the right bank of Bordeaux’s Gironde estuary. This wine boasts cherry and tomato leaf on the nose, with hints of cocoa on the palate and a long finish.

*The International Wine Challenge (IWC) – The International Wine Challenge is accepted as the world’s finest and most meticulously judged competition. The IWC assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Awards include medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended awards. The IWC is committed to helping consumers discover great wine, and the medals displayed on winning bottles offer a trusted guarantee of quality.